Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

June 27, 2021 · Robinson Helicopter R66 · N7078V

Waxhaw, NC

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 27, 2021
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Waxhaw, NC
Aircraft
Robinson Helicopter R66 (2013)
Tail Number
N7078V
Operator
Blade Ag
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA270

The pilot reported that he observed several power lines when performing reconnaissance flights prior to beginning spraying operations. He attempted to avoid them as he began applying the fungicide to the corn field; however, the helicopter impacted a green, thin power line “less than the diameter of a pencil” that the pilot had not previously observed. The helicopter began to vibrate and became difficult to control. The pilot initiated a 180° right turn to avoid trees and the helicopter impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot stated that the helicopter had no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from powerlines during a low-level aerial application flight.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that he observed several power lines when performing reconnaissance flights prior to beginning spraying operations. He attempted to avoid them as he began applying the fungicide to the corn field; however, the helicopter impacted a green, thin power line “less than the diameter of a pencil” that the pilot had not previously observed. The helicopter began to vibrate and became difficult to control. The pilot initiated a 180° right turn to avoid trees and the helicopter impacted the ground, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot stated that the helicopter had no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operations.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:43 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftRobinson Helicopter R66
Tail NumberN7078V
Aircraft CategoryHeli
DamageSubstantial
OperatorBlade Ag
Operating RulePart 137
Engines1
Engine TypeTurboshaft
Engine DetailsRolls Royce · 250-C300/A1 · Turboshaft · 300
Seats5

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 34 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point68 F
Altimeter30.25 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data